BB 9310 — Board Policies
Section: 9000 - Board Bylaws
Status: Active
Adopted: 2019-04-23
Revised: 2025-09-11
Policy text
BOARD POLICIES
The Governing Board shall adopt written policies to set clear procedural expectations for district governance, clarify the legally defined roles and responsibilities of the Board and Superintendent, and communicate the Board’s adopted positions to students, staff, parents/guardians, and the community.
The Board shall ensure that district policies, programs, and practices align with the Board’s vision, goals, and bylaws, comply with applicable state and federal law, and promote student learning and achievement. Policies shall advance equity and ensure nondiscriminatory access to district opportunities and resources for all students and staff. The District shall provide for the consistent and fair treatment of students, parents/guardians, employees, and the community.
The Board shall maintain an up-to-date policy manual and make all adopted changes to bylaws and policies publicly available in a timely manner. Local policies and bylaws shall conform to applicable state and federal law. References to external legal provisions may be included when doing so aids clarity or confirms their applicability.
Board policies are binding on the district to the extent that they do not conflict with federal or state law and are consistent with the district’s collective bargaining agreements. No Board policy, bylaw, or administrative regulation, or any portion thereof, shall be operative if it is found to be in conflict with applicable federal or state law or regulations or court decisions. If any portion of a policy is found to be invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions of the policy.
Policies shall be regularly reviewed at a time allocated for this purpose on the agenda of public Board meetings.
The Board shall review certain policies annually, as required by Education Code 35160.5. If no revisions are deemed necessary, the Board minutes shall nevertheless indicate that the review was conducted. Other policies shall be monitored and reviewed as specified in the policy itself or as needed to reflect changes in law or district circumstances.
Policy Development and Adoption Process
The district’s policy development process shall include the following basic steps:
-
Identification of Need – The Board and/or Superintendent or designee shall identify the need for a new policy or revision of an existing policy. The need may arise from a change in law, adoption or revision of district vision or goals, educational research or trends, or changes in Board membership or the superintendency. It may also occur as a result of a district incident, an audit finding, or a recommendation from staff, legal counsel, or other interested persons.
-
Information Gathering – The Superintendent or designee shall gather relevant information, which may include fiscal and operational data, staff and public input, related district policies, sample language from other districts or agencies, and any other resources necessary to inform the Board’s consideration.
-
Board Discussion - The Board may hold one or more discussions in public session to understand the issue and provide initial direction to the Superintendent or designee. Discussions may include, but are not limited to, the proposed policy’s potential impact on student learning, alignment with the district’s vision and goals, community expectations, staff recommendations, fiscal implications, and its effect on governance and operational efficiency. The Board may require additional readings when appropriate to ensure adequate review and public input.
-
Legal Review – The Board or Superintendent may request review of the draft policy by legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to identify any potential legal risks.
-
Drafting and Readings – The Superintendent or designee shall develop and present a draft policy for review and discussion at a public Board Policy Workshop or other scheduled meeting that includes at least a majority of the Board. A first reading shall be held at a regularly scheduled public Board meeting, with the proposed policy posted publicly in advance and between readings. At its second reading, the Board may take action on the proposed policy. The Board may require additional readings when appropriate to ensure adequate review and public input.
Only policies formally adopted by a majority vote of the Board shall constitute official Board policy.
The district’s policy development process may be revised or expanded as needed based on the issue being considered, the need for more information, or to provide greater opportunities for consultation and public input.
Policies shall become effective upon Board adoption or at a future date designated by the Board at the time of adoption.
Board Bylaws
The Board shall prescribe and enforce rules for its own government consistent with state law and regulations.
Bylaws governing Board operations may be developed, adopted, and amended following the same procedures as those used for the adoption or amendment of Board policy.
Administrative Regulations
The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for developing and enforcing administrative regulations for the operation of the district. Administrative regulations shall be consistent with law and Board policy and shall be designed to promote the achievement of district goals and objectives. Administrative regulations may describe specific actions to be taken, roles and responsibilities of staff, timelines, and/or other necessary provisions. The Superintendent or designee also may develop procedure manuals, handbooks, or other guides to carry out the intent of Board policy.
When Board policies are amended, the Superintendent or designee shall review corresponding regulations to ensure that they conform to the intent of the revised policy. In case of conflict between administrative regulation and Board policy, policy shall prevail.
The Board may review regulations for the purpose of ensuring conformity with the intent of Board policy.
Monitoring and Evaluation
At the time a policy is adopted, the Board and Superintendent or designee shall determine whether an evaluation of the policy should be scheduled and, if so, shall agree upon a timeline and measures for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in achieving its purpose.
Access to Policies
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all district employees and the public have access to an up-to-date district policy manual. A public copy of the policy manual shall be maintained at the district central office and at each school site. These copies shall be maintained either electronically or by paper copy.
As necessary, the Superintendent or designee shall notify staff, parents/guardians, students, and other stakeholders whenever a policy that affects them is adopted or revised. They may determine the appropriate communications strategy depending on the issue.
Suspension of Policies
In addition to the annual review process, the Board may amend any Board Policy or Board Bylaw at any time by majority vote. The Board may also suspend enforcement of a Board Policy or Bylaw on a one-time or temporary basis when enforcement is not required by applicable law.
Any such amendment or suspension shall apply prospectively from the date of adoption and shall not be applied retroactively to validate past actions or omissions, nor in a manner that would impair any vested rights.
Prior Revised Dates
June 10, 2014, August 17, 2023
Legal
EDUCATION CODE - EDC
35010 Control of district; prescription and enforcement of rules
35160 Authority of governing boards
35160.5 Annual review of school district policies